How did education reform unfold during the Third Republic?

Education reform during the Third Republic was characterised by secularisation, compulsory education, and the expansion of secondary education.

The Third Republic in France, which lasted from 1870 to 1940, was a period of significant educational reform. The government sought to establish a national education system that was secular, compulsory, and accessible to all. This was a radical departure from the previous system, which was heavily influenced by the Catholic Church and often inaccessible to the lower classes.

The Ferry Laws of the 1880s were instrumental in shaping the new education system. Named after Jules Ferry, the Minister of Public Instruction, these laws made education compulsory for children aged between six and thirteen. They also established that education should be free and secular, breaking the Catholic Church's stronghold on education. This secularisation was a contentious issue, leading to the 'War of the Two Frances' between the secular Republicans and the Catholic Conservatives.

The Third Republic also saw the expansion of secondary education. Before this period, secondary education was a privilege of the upper classes. However, the government recognised the need for a more educated workforce in an increasingly industrialised society. Therefore, they established a system of 'lycées' and 'collèges', which provided secondary education to a broader range of the population. This expansion was not without its challenges, as it required significant investment in infrastructure and teaching staff.

Furthermore, the Third Republic introduced reforms to teacher training. The creation of 'écoles normales' aimed to professionalise the teaching profession by providing standardised training. This was a significant step towards improving the quality of education.

In conclusion, education reform during the Third Republic was a complex and multifaceted process. It involved the secularisation of education, the introduction of compulsory education, the expansion of secondary education, and reforms to teacher training. These reforms had a profound impact on French society, shaping the nation's education system for generations to come.